The immortal charm of Subiaco, one of the most intriguing villages of Lazio and of Italy, is one of those able to bewitch a poet of Petrarch's caliber. Such a spectacle as to push the author to believe that he has reached Heaven. This is enough to understand the reason why tourists from all over the world still come to this place today. From Aniene river to the frescoes of the National Library, here are the treasures to be discovered in this village.
The history of Subiaco
Subiaco owes its name to the position in which it is located. Needless to say, there is a Latin derivation, which can be translated as "under the lakes". The reference goes to the three artificial lakes generated by the damming of the Aniene river. His own story has its roots in 55 AD, when the emperor Nero decided to exploit a series of dams to obtain artificial bodies of water. An enrichment of the villa built on the right bank of the Aniene, of which today only ruins remain.
An area linked to Benedict of Norcia, who remained in this place for just three years, leading a hermit's life. However, his example was followed by others, until the construction of thirteen monasteries over the course of three decades. Of this treasure, however, nothing remains but a single example: the monastery of Santa Scolastica. A treasure to be discovered, with its internal garden characterized by a monumental Gothic arch, splendid frescoes and a National Library that boasts manuscripts and parchments, as well as the first examples of Italian incunabula.
The perfect description of Subiaco comes from Petrarch, as noted above. He referred to the village as the "threshold of Paradise". All this resulted from the entrance into the monastery, able to take his breath away. In addition to its monastery, the village offers other places to admire. Starting right from the place of worship, you can head towards the cave, which tradition has it as the place where Benedict of Norcia retired. Inside there is the statue of the saint. There is also a spiral staircase that leads to the chapel of San Gregorio, decorated with frescoes from 1228. At the grotto of the shepherds there is the fresco of the Madonna with Child and Saints, the oldest in the monastery.
What to do in Subiaco
Its rich and ancient history can only attract tourists, but also cheered by a large number of activities to be carried out. The village is surrounded by nature, which allows you to try your hand at dream excursions, on the banks of the Aniene and beyond. The river also allows you to try the Rafting, as well as a tour in canoe or kayak. The placid waters also allow for trout fishing. All this allows the tourism sector to stay alive all year round, although many prefer to go to Subiaco at certain times of the year.
These coincide with some highly anticipated holidays. Just think of the Feast of San Lorenzo on 10 August, which celebrates the birth of the village in 937. On 14 August, however, there is one medieval festival, with processions departing from the churches of Santa Maria della Valle and Sant'Andrea. Finally, from 20 to 22 March the patron saint of Subiaco is celebrated, San Benedetto, with shows, events and a characteristic market at the via dei monasteri.
Traditional dishes
Italy is a land rich in culinary traditions. Subiaco is no exception. At the table there is a great link with pastoral activity. Here is one of the best known dishes: "ju pappaciuccu". It is a dish with boiled black cabbage mixed with corn pizza and stale bread. To this are added the "frascagli”, That is, white flour dumplings with tomato, garlic, oil, parsley, chilli, anchovies and polenta. The "subiachino"; or an almond-based biscuit covered with icing.
Source photograph in evidence: Subiaco - Monastery of Santa Scolastica - Source: Livioandronico2013 CC BY-SA 4.0
